November 3, 2016

Putrajaya is ignoring our demands for reform, says Bersih

Bersih 2.0 today accused Putrajaya of turning a deaf ear to their demands and using scare tactics to clampdown on their activities which are essentially calling for reforms.

The electoral reform group in a statement today cited several incidents which occurred in the past few days, where police had allegedly “harassed” its members by calling them in for questioning over their activities.

Assemblyman, Lee Khai Loon, who accompanied Chung Lun to the station had to give a statement as well, Bersih said.

In other incidents around the country, Bersih members in Johor, Perak, and Sabah were also questioned on the
Bersih convoy, said the NGO, adding that the convoy was meant to bring its demands beyond the urban setting.

“The fact that authorities continue to harass us is evidence that our convoy programme is succeeding,” said Bersih.

The Bersih 5 convoy began on October 1. It targetted rural areas and small towns.

“It directly involves supporters all over Malaysia,” said Bersih.

The statement also served as a reminder to all Malaysians to join the electoral reform group for the Bersih 5 rally on Nov 19.

“It’s a day to celebrate our successes as well,” it said. “It will send a message to the government that the people no longer live in fear.”

The Bersih 5 rally is a call for clean and fair elections, a clean government, strengthening parliamentary democracy, the right to dissent and empowering Sabah and Sarawak.